Torquay could reach new heights

A NEW proposal could see Torquay’s height restrictions lifted to make way for an increase in commercial opportunities.

Building heights have again reached the Surf Coast Shire’s agenda with past attempts made in 2013, 2017 and now 2021.

Despite admitting the project could be impacted by the Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape (DAL) program, the shire is now exploring options under the Retail and Employment Land Strategy to raise the town centre’s three storey limit.

The shire has said a combination of a lack of vacant land and restrictive height limits over much of the centre result in very few redevelopment opportunities existing.

“Strong policy support for the town centre to remain the primary retail hub is needed, along with a pro-active approach to transition to a higher-density mixed-use environment,” the shire document states.

“Without these interventions, there is a clear risk of further decline in the performance of the centre and negative economic and social implications for the broader town.”

Since the 2011 Retail and Employment Land Strategy, Torquay and Jan Juc have experienced major and sustained population growth over the period with an extra 7,000 residents and an additional 22,000sqm of retail space.

Greater Torquay Alliance (GTA) has expressed its concern for the proposed reform, which could override the Urban Design Framework document that in 2017 set a limit for three-storey buildings in the town centre.

GTA president Andrew Cherubin called the consultation a concern as the DAL process could affect the shire’s proposal to build up and further develop near the Karaaf Wetlands.

“This is a waste of ratepayers’ money as the outcome might need to change depending on the DAL recommendations and the final Statement of Planning Policy (SPP),” he said.

“We have formally requested the council to postpone the Retail and Employment Land Strategy until after the DAL is complete but at this stage they have refused.”

The DAL report is anticipated to set out a clear ruling for future developments that will be in keeping with the town’s characteristics.

The shire’s general manager of environment and development Ransce Salan said this strategy was not looking to pre-empt the findings of the DAL review.

“Council resolved to go ahead with March public consultation on the Torquay-Jan Juc Retail and Employment Land Strategy to ensure that the draft was publicly available for consideration ahead of the DAL Standing Advisory Committee public hearings,” Mr Salan said.

“Council’s submission to the draft Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy being considered by the DAL Standing Advisory Committee includes reference to the strategy. Any impacts on the strategy resulting from the DAL project are to be determined and will be considered in due course.”

Consultation closes tomorrow (Friday, March 26) at 5pm To have your say, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/TorquayJanJucRELS.